By expanding the Marvel cinematic universe and introducing additional characters from Marvel Comics into the films, the studio is not only increasing the scope of their franchise, but the expectations that come with it. Now that Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor have crossed paths and fought alongside one another for a common goal, telling their own stories following such an event becomes slightly more challenging.

If Tony Stark needs help battling a global threat down the line for instance, why wouldn’t Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D.help out? Even before that, when aliens invaded New York in The Avengers, where was James “Rhodey” Rhodes and his heavily armed War Machine suit introduced in Iron Man 2?

At least one of these questions will be explained in detail before “Phase Two” of the Marvel film franchise kicks off next summer with Iron Man 3. Listed in Marvel Comics’ January 2013 solicitations was part 1 (of 2) of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Prelude. From the brief description we know that it’ll take place partly during the events of The Avengers and after, in between it and the story of Iron Man 3. Most importantly, it’ll explain what mission Rhodey was conducting during the invasion of New York.

As Tony Stark prepares for his next venture, he tasks War Machine with a mission of his own.

War Machine faces his biggest test as a hero, while Iron Man takes on the Battle of New York!

The Barnes & Noble description of the trade paperback (which also includes the comic version of Iron Man 2) adds a few more details, including a hint of Stark developing the Extremis technology that’ll redefine the character, his armor and his ability to interface with technology.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe returns! First, it’s the comics adaptation of the blockbuster film Iron Man 2! Why is the U.S. government going after Iron Man? Plus, a mysterious figure from Tony’s past returns – and he’s got a vendetta. Featuring the first appearance and origin of War Machine! Then, it’s an all-new story set between the events of Marvel’s the Avengers and the upcoming Iron Man 3! What mysterious project has Tony Stark been developing since his alliance with SHIELD and his joining Earth’s Mightiest Heroes? And how will it change the way he lives … forever?

New promo art featuring War Machine’s old and new armor designs also made its way online this week. Note the new shoulder cannon replacing the minigun from Iron Man 2:

By the end of Iron Man 3, Tony Stark will have altered his body, fought at least a few major battles, and War Machine will have new Iron Patriot-themed duds. Unless War Machine is tasked with another mission from Tony Stark, there will be an expectation that he’ll show up in The Avengers 2. During Comic-Con this summer – where Iron Man 3 was a major focus of the event – Don Cheadle hinted that he could show up in The Avengers sequel, and depending on his role in IM3 (and his relationship with Stark and the S.H.I.E.L.D.organization) it makes sense that he would.

Of course, Iron Man 3 is just one of four confirmed films preceding The Avengers 2 and they are all introducing new characters that could similarly earn a roster spot for the next big team-up: Falcon, Winter Soldier and any member of Guardians of the Galaxy just to name a few. There’s also of course, rumors of other unannounced appearances, including Dr. Strange.

How big will Joss Whedon go with The Avengers 2 and will it be a platform to bring in all of the heroes from the Marvel cinematic universe? Coulson lives!

Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black based off of his and Drew Pearce’s screenplay, and stars Robert Downey Jr., Ben Kingsley, Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Jon Favreau, Rebecca Hall, William Sadler, James Badge Dale and the voice of Paul Bettany.

Iron Man 3 releases May 3, 2013, Thor: The Dark World on November 8, 2013, Captain America: The Winter Soldier on April 4, 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1, 2014, The Avengers 2 on May 1, 2015 and Ant-Man on November 6, 2015.

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dude i just read this article and it’s always fun to see what other minds are thinking to but gawd this was horrible. I dont know how mods police this but i’de probably be clipping people if your arguments dont even make coherent sense. There are a few people that seem to constantly do this basically with a bunch of hate speech about some director and their pasts, or about fanboy masturbatory begging for more screen time for other characters that don’t even make sense in the narrative.

I’de just like to know where these extra characters were supposed to “fit” in this, 1 single, movie realistically? let alone the people Bob and others have mentioned that arent even owned by disney/marvel. Some complaining would be ok if once someone explained the logistics you understand but they aren’t they’re just hammering away

War Machine wasn’t in the Avengers movie because when the Avengers were put together there WAS no war machine in it. And even later on he was just a fill in for Iron Man and never a full time super hero. Although war machine is an awesome character he just didn’t belong in the Avengers, now Avengers 2 is fair game. Now what I would like to see a movie where Spiderman, The Avengers and The Fantastic Four are joined together against an impossibly powerful adversary.

Eh – with the success of the Avengers, the probability has gone up considerably.

Personally I don’t want to see such crossovers. It works in the comics because you have unlimited time and space to tell your story. Movies are inherently limited and the more you try to shove in then the less time you have to focus on the core of your movie and you just end up short shrifting the stuff your trying to force in.

Now what might be interesting to see them do is a coherent storyline playing out through different movies focused on different cast of characters.

First off: Rhodey is a Hero, second he actually IS an Avenger. He was part of the Black ops version of the Avengers, If you read the comics you would know.

Moving on, They should portray Rhodey as he is in the universe. LEADING A DAMN FLIGHT TEAM! I am sure the military was conducting operations during the invasion of New York. I would’ve love to see in Iron Man 3 they take not of this. In terms of what James would do in S.H.I.E.l.D, he could be a liaison, and help with operations. I really hate the fact that the directors put soo much emphasis on Tony but forget the people around him!(James/Pepper). Also note I saw that James is a f****** AEROSPACE ENGINEER! The fact that no director took advantage of this is disgusting!

So in closing, James Rhodes is awesome and directors should take advantage of this, and second they really should have the Don and RDJ be a lot closer to make up for the second movie of them beating the s*** out of each other.

I am simply amazed by the fact that with all of these cross overs happening and everyone going all masturbatory-ape sh*t about whom is meeting whom.NO ONE NOTICED that Jon Favreau starred as Happy Hogan” in Dare Devil and Murdock made no appearance nor was he even mentioned in any Ironman movies at all!

Oh boy, ok well lets see here. To keep it simple, speak on the same terms you establish with that post, and maintain the tone you came in with:

I am simply amazed by the fact that with all the arguments you referenced that have been started on this article you decided to not only come in with a similar slandatory attitude but tried to perpetuate the arguments with something thats just blatantly false.

To keep it simple: I goad you to prove what you siad by linking a site or giving some other proof that the character Jon Favreau played in Daredevil was “Happy Hogan” like you said.

(Hint: it wasn’t. Bonus Hint: look it up, it was a completely different character. Secrete Bouns Hint: it was “Froggy” Nelson , DD’s best friend. Same actor doesn’t automatically make them the same character.)

Admendment: I guess on some level you could easily say the two characters (Froggy Nelson and Happy Hogan) are extreamly similar, almost the same. I mean you could say practically every character Adam Sandler plays in movies is basically the same exact type of guy over and over…and over..again. But that doesn’t make what you said right or true. It’s two seperate comic book characters.

Happy Hogan and Foggy Nelson aren’t even remotely similar. Nelson was Daredevil’s college roommate and legal partner. Hogan is a former boxer that saved Stark’s life and became his chauffeur. How is that ‘extremely similar’?

Terrance Howard had more on-screen chemistry with RDJ; you actually felt like they were friends as opposed to Cheadle’s more antagonistic and competitive approach. Cheadle is a fantastic actor but I didn’t like his portrayal at all. Even my wife, who isn’t a fan of the comics like I am, turned to me and asked, “Aren’t they suppose to be friends?”

What if Guy Pierce is going to be Iron Patriot and War Machine is still the same War Machine as before?

It looks to me, and I haven’t researched this thoroughly so forgive me if I’m wrong, but I could swear there is a brief shot of Guy Pierce with a glowing object in his sternum laying down on an operating table. Could it be that the storyline for Iron Patriot follows the comics more than we are expecting? He would make a good straight-man for the Mandarin.

I disliked the story told in Ironman 2 and the dawning of Warmachine. In essence, our government stole the technology from the private sector because Mr. Stark was behaving badly. The technology was already outdated, and then our government outsources it to an inferior competitor who creates a branch revision of an even more inferior Mark 2.5 compared to the Mark 3, 4, 5 and 6. The whole subplot could have been replaced with the following:

“Rhodey! You slept with my ex-girlfriend!”
“What?! You got drunk last night and dumped her!”
“Yeah, but bros before hoes!”
“Too late, I bought her a diamond ring.”
“Man, that’s whack.”
“Hey! That’s my line!”
They both exclaim: “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer!” (except there is no lawsuit in Ironman 2, because I guess they couldn’t spend anymore time making it any lamer)

All I know is, we need to see Goliath (Hank Pym in his yellow/blue costume), Wasp, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver next for the good-guys, and Kang, Ultron, and Skrulls for the bad-guys. Oh yes, and I want to see Mandarin, with his 10 zap-rings, slugging it out with Iron Man. There is also a rumor Radioactive Man may be in Iron Man 3. That sounds good to me! The more battles, the better!